NCISis one of those odds-defying shows that has actually increased in viewership as the series progresses, as opposed to most programs, which decrease in popularity as they fade. Despite the writers' strike, the show has managed to climb its way as one of the top 10 programs, averaging 15.65 million viewers in its fifth season. To date, it has delivered its largest audience in the sixth season episode “Collateral Damage,” soaring to 18.8 million viewers. Following NCIS' progressive surge in the ratings this season, CBS has started to quietly develop a spin-off of the police procedural drama.

CBS has yet to comment on the spin-off news, but Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, who first reported the scoop, reveals that a new brood of naval sleuths will be likely introduced in an episode of NCIS later this season and launched into their own show as early as next fall.

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"It's still in the early stages," a show insider said, who also reveals that no final decisions have been made about the premise or the setting of the spin-off.

Meanwhile, more questions remain unanswered. Will the show feature an all-new cast? And will there be crossovers?

If the spin-off is in fact in the works, it will likely put on hold the previously reported spin-off CBS has been eyeing for Criminal Minds. Several months ago, BuddyTV reported that the network is on the look out for a police procedural series that may following the footsteps of theCSI franchise. Show producer Ed Bernero confirmed the report, adding that one of the ideas being pitched in is a closer look at different specialties in the FBI. At the time, it has been hinted that the spin-off idea would likely be introduced during a special episode of Criminal Minds set to air later in the season.